4A’s hires Simon Fenwick as EVP, talent engagement and inclusion

The 4A’s has named Simon Fenwick executive vice president, talent engagement and inclusion. In the role, Fenwick will oversee the organization’s diversity, learning, and development programs, including the 4A’s Foundation, which the Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP) and the 4A’s High School Programs fall under, as well as Workplace Enlightenment Certification (WEC) and The Learning Academy.

Fenwick joins the advertising trade organization with 30 years of international experience, crafting and implementing talent and engagement strategies both in-house and on the agency side. Before joining the 4A’s, Fenwick oversaw creative and brand recruiting and diversity initiatives for Facebook and its family of apps. Prior to that, he held positions including executive vice president of talent and diversity at IPG Mediabrands and senior vice president, global talent at Starcom MediaVest Group.

“As we continue to advocate for a more inclusive industry, Simon brings the passion, drive, and experience to make that a reality,” said 4A’s chief executive Marla Kaplowitz in a release. “From our MAIP program, which provides a platform to launch and sustain careers, to WEC, which creates safe and productive work environments, Simon will offer invaluable expertise to make the industry a better place to work.”

Fenwick works with a number of organizations to further the interests of the LGBTQ community and to create early career opportunities for diverse youth through education assistance, internships, job training, and professional mentoring.

“Today, more than any time in history, people and their experiences across a connected world have become the true currency of a successful business. As such, I believe in bringing people together to facilitate change and drive success,” said Fenwick. “With the 4A’s being a true champion of diversity and inclusion, they’re the perfect home to help elevate people’s unique experiences to better the industry as a whole.

Fenwick will join the 4A’s on January 2, 2019, and will report directly to Kaplowitz. Born in Kenya and raised in New Zealand and Australia, Fenwick has lived in the US for 14 years. He will relocate from San Francisco to New York City for this role.